sE Electronics X1 A Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics X1 A is a wired cardioid condenser microphone for studio recording, podcasting, vocals, instruments, and close-miked sources. It connects through a standard 3-pin XLR output and is designed for use with microphone preamps or audio interfaces that provide 48 V phantom power. Its focused cardioid pickup pattern helps prioritize the sound in front of the microphone while reducing pickup from the rear.

Built for creators who need one microphone for varied sessions, the X1 A is suited to vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar cabinets, drums, brass, piano, and room recording. Its frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with a balanced response intended for detailed capture. The microphone's 20 mV/Pa sensitivity supports practical use with typical recording interfaces and console preamps.

A switchable -20 dB attenuation pad expands the X1 A's usable range for high-volume sources and close-miking. With the pad disengaged, it handles up to 130 dB SPL; with the pad engaged, maximum SPL handling reaches 150 dB SPL at 0.5% THD and 1 kHz. This makes it suitable for louder applications such as amplified guitar, brass, and drum recording when paired with an appropriate preamp gain setting.

The X1 A also includes a switchable 100 Hz low-cut filter with a 6 dB-per-octave slope. This filter can help reduce rumble, footfall noise, and excess low-frequency buildup from close placement. Used alongside careful microphone positioning, it gives recording setups a straightforward way to manage unwanted low end before the signal reaches the recording chain.

Its 2/3-inch back-electret condenser capsule is housed in a durable all-metal chassis with an integrated windscreen and a gold-plated XLR connector. The internal windscreen helps reduce wind noise and plosive effects while protecting the capsule. The X1 A can serve as a primary entry-level studio microphone or as a flexible additional microphone in a growing recording setup.

Key Features

• Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Focuses on the source in front of the microphone and reduces rear pickup.
• 2/3-Inch Condenser Capsule: Captures vocals and instruments with a broad 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.
• Switchable -20 dB Pad: Supports close-miking and louder sources by reducing the incoming signal level.
• 100 Hz Low-Cut Filter: Helps manage rumble, footfall noise, and excess proximity-effect bass.
• 150 dB Maximum SPL: Handles high sound-pressure sources when the attenuation pad is engaged.
• All-Metal Housing: Provides durable physical protection and helps reject electrical interference.

Design & Installation

The X1 A uses an all-metal body, an integrated windscreen, and a gold-plated 3-pin male XLR connector. It measures 58 mm in diameter and 169 mm long, with a microphone weight of 390 g. The package includes a swivel microphone clip and a microphone-stand thread adapter for physical mounting.

Mount the microphone on a stable stand using the included clip and adapter, then connect its XLR output to a compatible microphone preamp, mixer, or audio interface. Enable 48 V phantom power only through equipment intended to supply P48 power, and begin with conservative preamp gain. For loud instruments or close placement, engage the -20 dB pad; use the 100 Hz low-cut filter when low-frequency noise or buildup needs reduction.